Voluntary organisations, NGOs and community groups across Malta and Gozo will benefit from free health and safety training under a new initiative announced by the Ministry for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector.
The programme, led by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA), aims to expand access tto essential safety training beyond paid employment and into the voluntary sector. The move follows the introduction of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in 2024, which formally recognises the importance of safeguarding voluntary work.
Justice Minister Jonathan Attard said the initiative represents a direct investment in communities. He emphasised that volunteers play a vital role in society and deserve to operate in safe and protected environments.
Funded through Budget 2026, the scheme will provide structured and practical training to thousands of volunteers. The Minister noted that the initiative is designed to reduce risks while promoting a culture of prevention and responsibility within community-based activities.
The course is divided into two parts. The first focuses on general health and safety principles applicable across all sectors, while the second offers specialised training tailored to specific activities such as event organisation, manual work and installations.
The Minister also highlighted the strong response to the initial phase launched in January, which attracted hundreds of applications. He encouraged all voluntary organisations to participate and invest in the safety and skills of their members.
OHSA Chief Executive Officer Dr Josianne Cutajar said the initiative extends training to a wide range of groups, including voluntary organisations, Church entities and local councils. With more than 1,800 registered voluntary organisations and tens of thousands of active volunteers in Malta, she stressed the importance of ensuring safe and dignified conditions for all.
Dr Cutajar described the programme as a direct investment in Maltese society, aimed at strengthening the voluntary sector and supporting those who contribute their time across various fields.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with several organisations, including the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, the Association of Local Councils and the Archdiocese of Malta, to maximise outreach and participation.
Several officials attended the announcement, including OHSA Chairperson Pierre Fava, Commissioner for Animal Welfare Dr Fleur Abela, Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations Jesmond Saliba, Administrative Secretary of the Archdiocese of Malta Michael Pace Ross, Association of Local Councils Executive Officer Justine Decelis, and Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector officer Stephanie Micallef.